TdF Stage 12 Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne – Annonay Davézieux

July 28, 2012

The stage profile suggested that the leaders would have a day off, so it was a surprise to see Sky working so hard on the climbs. The two category 1 climbs filled the first half of the stage. Wiggins himself was seen at the front, perhaps he felt he had to show face and his strength after the signs of potential weakness, or at least confusion, in the last stage. However, after the climbs Sky switched off the pace and the team was happy to follow. Sagan jumped clear on the descent and almost caught the break. Lotto did not want him clear and chased him down. After that, the peleton cruised home and allowed the break to win the stage.

The break had to work hard to stay clear of the peleton, especially on the descent of the second climb. Millar in particular put in a lot of effort. He was rewarded with the win at the finish, out foxing Peraud. An excellent stage win for the Scot.

Gesink did not start, abandoning after a sad first half of the tour for him. There are only 164 left in the tour, more will surely leave next week with the Olympics on the horizon.